ITH Poker Forum

[FORECONSnipr]

Hey y'all!

First post ever on ITH as I'm totally new to this board - no so new to NLHE, however.

Anybody familiar with zone play "M" and "Q"?

I recently had a 10 man $11 SNGO I played, 5 players had been knocked out - down to last 5 with top 3 places paying. Standard payouts - 1st $50, 2nd $30, 3rd $20

At this point in the game, my EFFECTIVE "M" was around 2.5, my "Q" was around 0.5 (some larger stacks, some smaller). I understand that when "M" and "Q" conflict, go with "M." My question is NOT SO MUCH for this specific game, but in general: Sure my "M" was in the red zone, hence requiring a move fairly soon and "Q" reflected the urgency to do so as well. Does this mean I HAVE to make a move with the first hand available in this situation? (This is assuming everyone folded around to me, hence giving me "first in vigorish"). I had A4 clubs on the button. Is this an AUTOMATIC push? Or are there other variables to consider before making this move?

My question reworded in a general way: If your "M" is low (say in the red zone, i.e., < 5) and your "Q" is probably slightly below average, does this 100% require that you push in with the FIRST "decent" hand that you pick up providing everyone folds to you? Or is this just a general guideline and should usually be done in this way, just not all the time? What do you guys think?

At what "M" and "Q" points should it be 100% necessary to push without discrepancies or further thought?

If, for example, your effective "M" (shorthanded) is 4.5 and your "Q" is 1.0... is it necessary to push with the first hand when folded around to you?

What about "M" of 4.5 and "Q" or 0.5, etc.?

Has anyone out there thoroughly mastered zone play and can give me a good guideline for this?

Thanks so much guys! Look forward to talking to all of ya

Ivan aka "FORECONSnipr"